AutoCodes – Mercury – P1588 Mercury

P1588 Mercury Code - Throttle Control Unit Detected Loss of Return Spring

Quick Answer

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) tests the electronic throttle for the ability of the throttle plate to return to the default (limp home) position from both the open and closed positions. Common causes include Faulty Throttle Control Unit, Throttle Control Unit harness is open or shorted, Throttle Control Unit circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1588 Mercury indicates Throttle Control Unit Detected Loss of Return Spring.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Throttle Control Unit, Throttle Control Unit harness is open or shorted, Throttle Control Unit circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 1,558

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 20, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1588 Mercury Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) tests the electronic throttle for the ability of the throttle plate to return to the default (limp home) position from both the open and closed positions.

OBDII Code P1588 Mercury - Throttle Control Unit Detected Loss of Return Spring - AutoCodes.com — P1588 Mercury Code - Throttle Control Unit Detected Loss of Return Spring

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1588 Mercury?

Faulty Throttle Control Unit
Throttle Control Unit harness is open or shorted
Throttle Control Unit circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1588 Mercury?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1588 Mercury code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1588 Mercury code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1588 Mercury code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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Get the P1588 Mercury code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1588 Mercury Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P1588 in a Mercury vehicle?

The common symptoms of OBDII code P1588 in a Mercury vehicle include loss of power, rough idling, poor acceleration, and the vehicle going into limp mode.

2. What does the OBDII code P1588 indicating "Throttle Control Unit Detected Loss of Return Spring" mean for a Mercury?

This code indicates that the throttle control unit in the Mercury has detected a loss of return spring, which can affect the proper functioning of the throttle system.

3. What are possible causes of OBDII code P1588 in a Mercury?

Possible causes of OBDII code P1588 in a Mercury include a faulty throttle control unit, a damaged return spring, wiring issues, or a malfunctioning electronic throttle body.

4. How can I diagnose OBDII code P1588 in my Mercury?

Diagnosing OBDII code P1588 in your Mercury may involve using an OBDII scanner to read the code, inspecting the throttle control unit and return spring, checking for any loose or damaged wiring, and performing a throttle body inspection.

5. Can I drive my Mercury with OBDII code P1588?

It is not recommended to drive your Mercury with OBDII code P1588, as it can lead to further damage to the throttle system and affect the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P1588 in my Mercury?

Repairing OBDII code P1588 in your Mercury may involve replacing the faulty throttle control unit, repairing or replacing the damaged return spring, addressing any wiring issues, or cleaning and servicing the electronic throttle body.

7. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code P1588 in my Mercury without repairing the underlying issue?

Resetting the OBDII code P1588 without addressing the underlying issue is not recommended, as the problem will likely persist and could lead to further issues with the throttle system in your Mercury.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P1588 in a Mercury?

Depending on the level of expertise and access to tools, a DIY enthusiast may be able to address OBDII code P1588 in a Mercury by following repair guides, but it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for accurate diagnosis and proper repair.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P1588 in a Mercury at a mechanic?

The cost to repair OBDII code P1588 in a Mercury at a mechanic can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, parts needed for replacement, labor costs, and location. It is advisable to obtain quotes from different mechanics for an accurate estimate.

10. Can OBDII code P1588 in a Mercury affect fuel efficiency?

Yes, OBDII code P1588 in a Mercury can affect fuel efficiency due to the improper functioning of the throttle system, which can lead to inefficient fuel combustion and overall decreased performance.